Training Camp 2016

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Alex Zeese

By Steve Thomas

Well, we’ve finally made it through the long offseason – winter came and went, spring flew by, and summer arrived. Now, the end of July is here, which means one thing:

The. Return. Of. Football.

Thank goodness. It’s been a long and painful wait. Since we know that a significant number of you are planning to make the trip to the Bon Secours Training Center (http://redskinsrva.bonsecours.com/) in Richmond over the next three weeks to watch all or at least some portion of training camp, we recently spoke to Anedra Bourne, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Richmond, to discuss what visitors to could expect from the city during their stay. When asked what training camp attendees will find that is new for this year, Bourne replied that “[f]ans are going to get a new experience inside the gate this year that offers more of a Richmond feel incorporated in partnership with the Redskins [in] being able to experience the destination in between practices.” The city is ready for the annual onslaught of visitors, with clearly marked routes to and from the facility, plenty of available parking (which will cost a daily fee), and all necessary facilities for those with physical challenges.

Bourne provided that two of the area’s major attractions, the Children’s Museum of Richmond and the Science Museum of Virginia, are located within walking distance of the Redskins’ training facility and would make excellent activities in between practices for those with children and for those interested in science. She also identified nearby Maymont Park as being a great place for families looking to entertain children during downtime. The park is over 100 acres and has a variety of activities, including wildlife, a petting zoo, and the historic Maymont estate. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is also a short drive away.

Bourne additionally stated that Richmond has become known as a “foodie town”, with plenty of renowned local establishments available, including many within walking distance of the training facility. There are also a multitude of locally-based micro-breweries available for those of legal drinking age.

If you are looking for last minute lodging options, the city offers plenty of name brand lodging chain hotels that are located in the City near the training facility. If you would like to experience locally-based luxury during your stay, Ms. Bourne identified The Jefferson, which is five-star rated and located in downtown Richmond.

Bourne indicated that the fans will have every opportunity to have a great time while in Richmond this year, stating that there will be “more opportunities to learn about all there is to do and see and experience in and around the Richmond area.” Please visit www.visitrichmond.com for more information.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE:

This is the schedule of practices that are open to the public (all times ET):
Thurs, Jul 28: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fri, Jul 29: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sat, Jul 30: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sun, Jul 31: No practice.
Mon, Aug 1: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Tues, Aug 2: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wed, Aug 3: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Special Teams practice)
Thurs, Aug 4: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fri, Aug 5: Opens 12:00 p.m., practice 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Sat, Aug 6: No practice.
Sun, Aug 7: Opens 12:00 p.m., practice 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Mon, Aug 8: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Tues, Aug 9: Opens 12:30 p.m.; practice 1: 35 – 3:30 p.m.
Wed, Aug 10: No practice.
Thurs, Aug 11: No practice – preseason game 1, Redskins @ Falcons, 7:00 p.m.
Fri, Aug 12: No practice.
Sat, Aug 13: Fan Appreciation Day; opens 11:30 a.m.; practice 1:35 – 3:30 p.m.
Sun, Aug 14: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

RICHMOND INFORMATION LINKS: www.visitrichmondva.com

ROADTRIP TO RICHMOND PROGRAM: The City of Richmond and the Redskins have created the Roadtrip to Richmond Program for the training camp period. This is a travel program that combines overnight accommodations, tickets to Richmond-area attractions such as King’s Dominion and the Science Museum of Richmond, plus a variety of other exciting options: http://www.redskins.com/schedule/training-camp/travel-packages.html.

RICHMOND PASSPORT PROGRAM: http://www.redskins.com/schedule/training-camp/richmond-passport.html. This program provides fans with valuable discounts at local Richmond-area restaurants, lodging, and other services.

SIGN UP: The Redskins require that you sign up to attend training camp. Here’s the link to the sign up page: http://www.redskins.com/schedule/training-camp/sign-up.html.

PARKING: The City of Richmond has helpfully provided all of the parking information you will need, including a map: http://redskinsrva.bonsecours.com/training-camp/parking.

DIRECTIONS: Directions to the Bon Secours Training Center, provided by the City of Richmond: http://redskinsrva.bonsecours.com/training-camp/directions. The City of Richmond’s Transit System is the City’s public transit system in and around the area, and it will be available for those who choose to utilize their services.